Moving Tips: Packing Pointers

Moving Tips: Packing Pointers

Before actually packing up, you need to have a game plan. For example:

  • Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
  • Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
  • Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification log to show the number of boxes packed per room, and the total number of cartons packed. It’s a good idea to leave space in your log for special comments section to note carton condition or location of high value goods. Notify your mover of any high value items.
  • Be sure to have plenty of “filling” material available.
  • Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
  • Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
  • Pack heavier items towards the bottom of the box and lighter items towards the top. Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier. A general rule of carton size – the heavier the item the smaller the carton.

Moving Tips: Packing Materials

Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. The added protection of moving cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor quality material. We can assist you as to where you can obtain quality moving supplies. Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your grocery or liquor store. Save old newspapers for use in packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items.

  • Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
  • Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or “popcorn”.
  • Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
  • Corrugated paper rolls for figurines and fragile items.
  • Gummed tape (1 ½ to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
  • Markers and labels for identifying contents or cartons.
  • Scissors and/or sharp knife.

Moving Tips 101

There’s lots to think about when you are beginning to prepare for a move. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve provided this handy list of things that you might not have thought about doing before your big move.

  • Clear out unwanted goods – hold garage sale.
  • Get rid of flammables – paints, petrol, gas cylinders.
  • Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, trimmers and so on.
  • Clothes – do you need them all? Charity shops may want them.
  • Separate books – disposable, family reading, valuable.
  • Check all electrical goods – will they work in my new home?
  • Start making up your change of address list.
  • Arrange to have mail forwarded.
  • Arrange termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main supplies.
  • If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, see if you still have their original boxes.
  • Have rugs cleaned.
  • Round up personal documentation – marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses and so on.
  • With regards to family pets – make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
  • Will your new home be ready? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage.
  • Start running down freezer stocks.
  • Arrange your finances – close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary.